The University of Bath's Kaleidoscope Staff and PGR group are proud to present a programme of activities for LGBTQ+ History Month 2024.
Tuesday 6 February – Free cupcakes!
12.15-1.15pm
(All students and staff)
Drop by our stall outside the Library on the Parade to answer a question on LGBTQ+ history and get your free cupcake.
Monday 12 February – Beckford's Tower Talk by Dr Amy Frost (Bath Preservation Trust)
5.15-6.15pm
(All students and staff)
Location: 4 West 1.2
The story of William Beckford, who created Beckford’s Tower in 1827, is a fascinating but challenging one. Beckford’s wealth was generated by the transatlantic slave trade and his claiming in ownership of enslaved people. It enabled his creativity, but also gave him power that he used to abuse the lives of others. Beckford is also seen by many as a key figure in the Queer history of the Georgian period in Britain. This talk will explore the complexities of Beckford’s story and how the team at Beckford’s Tower are trying to tell them at the museum when it reopens in spring this year.
Please be aware that some of the stories this talk explores cover distressing subjects including abuse, exploitation and enslavement. We have tried to tackle these sensitively but know they may trigger strong emotional responses.
Dr Amy Frost is the Senior Curator of Bath Preservation Trust. An architectural historian, she specialises in British architecture of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century and is a leading expert on the life of William Beckford (1760-1844). Amy is a graduate of Bath University and frequently lectures on architectural history and theory in the Department of Architecture & Engineering.
Marie Brewer is the Activities Officer on the Beckford’s Tower ‘Our Tower’ project. Marie is an ex primary school teacher who engages with local communities and schools to tell the stories of the William Beckford and the Tower through different activities.
Wednesday 21 February – LGBTQ+ history timeline workshop
12.30-1.30pm
(Staff and PGRs only)
Chancellors’ Building room 4.10
Allies and members are welcomed to our hands on workshop creating a collage LGBTQ+ timeline of Britain. No prior knowledge required, just enthusiasm!
Thursday 29 February – Alumni panel discussion
6.00-7.00pm
(All students and staff)
Online
Kaleidoscope will be joined by LGBTQ+ alumni who will share their experience of being queer at the University of Bath, and beyond.
We have four alumni who have given their time to speak to staff and students who would like to understand more about the queer experience here at Bath over the years. They will also go on to talk about their experience of being in the workplace as an LGBTQ+ person.
From COOs to Software Engineers we've got a wide range of people for you to hear from.
Friday 1 March – Kaleidoscope members social, joint with Bath Spa University LGBTQ+ staff group
6pm onward
(Staff and PGRs only)
Lane 7, Saw Close, Bath, BA1 1EY
With a range of activities on offer Lane 7 is a great spot to network and meet new people whilst having fun!
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